The Region : New L.A. Rent Controls Effective July 1

A new rent control ordinance in Los Angeles, which ties the rate of allowable rent increases to the consumer price index, has been signed by Mayor Tom Bradley and will take effect July 1. With the index near 4%, the new law will provide relief for at least one year to renters, who faced 7% maximum increases under the city's old law. The new ordinance, which received final approval from the City Council on Tuesday, will prevent landlords in future years from raising rents by more than 8%, no matter how high the index goes. But if the index falls below 3%, landlords will be able to raise rents by as much as 3%.